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Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for road development project at R. Dhuvaafaru
(2016-10) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. This EIA report covers road development project at Dhuvaafaru, Raa Atoll. This project would undertake total length of the roads that would be 3.2 km. The roads will be built with pavements on either side of the roads on wider roads. A pavement will be one side on narrower roads. The pavements would have 3 service ducts which can be used for provision of the utility services to the island. The surface of the pavements will be of precast concrete blocks and driving surface would be of asphalt. Drainage areas are provided between pavement and driving surface and provision for tree planting is given on regular intervals. Dhuvaafaru is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Dhuvaafaru is the most populated island in Raa Atoll. After the 2004 Tsunami R. Kandholhudhoo people was relocated to Dhuvaafaru in 2008. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have significant impacts on the island of Dhuvaafaru. The impacts of the project result mainly from vegetation removal and excavation of the harbour basin and beaching area to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the island. The socio-economic benefit outweighs the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Dhuvaafaru. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Dhuvaafaru. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Addendum 2 environmental impact assessment for the reclamation and expansion at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Hulhulhé, Kaafu Atoll
(2015-09) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of an addendum that carried out for the environmental impact study (EIA) which was carried out by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Airports Company Limited in July 2014. This EIA Addendum 2 report covers for changes that had been made to the reclamation component of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) expansion project. The report also covers proposed 7.1 m wide road development on southern end of the island and development of a 4.84 km sewerage collection, treatment and disposal system via 495m ocean outfall as part of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport expansion and modernisation project. Refer to the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015) for the details of the project. This EIA report has been approved by EPA. It is not seen that any significant environmental impacts would be due to the changes that had been brought to the reclamation component, addition of the road and sewerage system as part of the development, other than those outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015). The project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts to the natural environment of the island.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbour quaywall at Maduvvari, Meemu Atoll
(2015-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company
This document is prepared to meet the necessary requirements to get clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency in order to carry out the proposed harbor quaywall reconstruction project at Meemu atoll Maduvvari. It has been prepared in compliance with the EIA regulation of 2007, under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The islands existing harbor had been badly damaged by the 2004 Tsunami, rendering it unsafe and unsuitable. A breakwater had not been initially developed, and the rough monsoon waves made the existing quaywall unguarded against the elements of nature. The proposed development will reconstruct a new quaywall and will greatly improve the socio economic conditions of the island by providing a safer harbor with easier access. This Executive Summary highlights the key findings of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for this project, which is proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and executed by the Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). The proposed development comprises of the following key elements: ‐ Removal of the existing quaywall and reconstruction of a new quay wall of the same length, using T‐block elements. ‐ Construction of a pavement alongside the length of the new quaywall. ‐ Carrying out maintenance dredging of the basin to a depth of 3m below sea level. ‐ Reclaiming land at the northern side of the island using the demolished quaywall ‐ Using the dredged material (approximated at 550 m3) to level the road on the northern side of the island. Justification and Socioeconomic Considerations This project, instead of the alternatives, is best suited and the most feasible design solution, offering benefits in terms of the proposed location, environment, project activities, and future land developments of the island. The proponent considers that the views of major stakeholders and the community are important in the planning and design of the project. Public consultation has been conducted throughout the planning stages. The Maduvvari community supports the development of the project and their views have been considered in the planning and design process. Environmental Impacts and Mitigation Measures The potential impacts will be minor and localized, with the impacts identified as being caused by the following main project activities. ‐ Impacts due to maintenance dredging ‐ Impacts due to reclamation of land on the northern side of the island ‐ Impacts due to leveling of roads on the northern side of the island The impacts are however, found to be temporary and weighs less than the benefits of the socio‐economic impacts caused by the development. The major negative impacts are listed as follows: ‐ Noise pollution potential source of noise pollution will arise during the construction phase of the project, with the usage of heavy machinery and equipment ‐ Unavoidable sedimentation caused by dredging works, which will increase the turbidity of the surrounding waters and adversely impact the marine organisms. Sedimentation of silt on the reef flat will be caused by excavation. ‐ Changes in the hydrodynamics of the island which could potentially affect the issue of coastal erosion of the island. Nevertheless, there are greater socioeconomic benefits. These include facilitating easier access to the harbor for the vessels, and minimizing of floods during high tide. Mitigation measures have been proposed for all the potential adverse impacts arising from the project activities. They include, among others: ‐ Carrying out the excavation during high tides to allow maximum flushing of the sediments. ‐ Reclaiming during low tides to minimize erosion of the dredged material. ‐ Reducing problems arising during construction by making the necessary announcements and posting the related sign boards. ‐ Limiting the construction hours to day time and avoiding simultaneous operation of the equipment. And environmental monitoring and management plan will be implemented during the project activities, to assess the effectiveness of the mitigation measures and compliance with the criteria. Alternate locations and technology The proposed location where the dredged material would be used is the best location as it is the most needed location to be reclaimed for future plans of the island. Alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. Conclusion This EIA report has identified and evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the project, in accordance with the rules and regulations. Overall, the report concludes that the project would be environmentally acceptable and in compliance with the environmental legislation and standards. The implementation of the mitigation measures during construction and operation stages will minimize potential negative impacts. This will be examined by a suitable monitoring and management plan.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the construction of a harbor in Filladhoo, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
(2016-12) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour development project in HA. Filladhoo. HA. Filladhoo is located on the eastern rim of Haa Alifu atoll and has a population of 576 (Census, 2014). Majority of the island community depend on fishing and agriculture as their main economic activity. Until now, the island has no modern harbour facility and is one of the most crucial issues faced by the island community. This project is initiated by the government of Maldives as part of its national programme to provide safe harbour to each and every inhabited island of Maldives. Presently, lack of a harbour is an obstacle for the economic expansion and diversification of the island. Lack of a harbour in Filladhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of jetties on the west side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoon areas of the island. The construction of the harbour includes the following:  Construction of 312 m quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using T-shaped concrete blocks.  Deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level.  Dredging of the harbour basin which is 650 feet long and 250 feet wide.  Construction of 298 m long breakwater with rock boulders.  Reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline and both sides of the harbour by using dredged material from the harbour basin.  Dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL).  Construction of 5m wide pavement along the quaywalls.  Construction of revetments to protect the proposed reclamation areas.  Clearance of an access road to the harbour. Road length is approximately 345m and 14m wide.  The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 50,000 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation and road levelling purpose. The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the south west side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Indirect impacts can also be felt on the mangrove area of Filladhoo without proper measures. Similarly, the coral reef and lagoon area will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in the most least damaging manner. As a large area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of the mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes the damage will be the key for this project. Most of these measures are the best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require large finances to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups including island council and the client in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community representatives were the most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. The development of the harbour in Filladhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the area of the island. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Filladhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Proposed mitigation measures need to be taken to minimize or avoid the proposed impacts. Proper measures need to be taken to protect and preserve the mangrove area near the harbour location. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the proposed agriculture development project at Lh. Lhohi
(2016-08) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Frozen Lemons Pvt Ltd. This EIA report covers agriculture development project at Lhohi, Lhaviyani Atoll. Lhohi is located on the southern side of Lhaviyani Atoll. This island is leased to Frozen Lemons Pvt Ltd by Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. Frozen Lemons is the proponent of this project. Frozen Lemons had acquired substantial knowledge and information about commercial agriculture and officials of the company had travelled to neighbouring countries and visited different agriculture projects to gain more experience and information on different agriculture businesses which could be development in islands of Maldives. The project is proposed in Lh. Lhohi. The vision is to establish agriculture in Lhohi which ensure commercial and environmental sustainability. The main aim of this agricultural project is to lessen import of agriculture products to meet the local demand. Work is planned for sustainable agrofarming ensuring the use of environment friendly technology. Under this project, fertilizers will be made using the waste on the island itself and different types of fruits and vegetables will be grown. Agriculture on the island will be done in three main ways. It will be done directly on land, in greenhouses and using hydroponic technology. Water for the crops will be of two sources: harvesting rainwater and desalination using seawater. The Drip Irrigation System will be used for water conservation and will be the main system for watering the plants. The project will develop the necessary infrastructure in the area of power, water, sewage and wastewater to make the proposed agriculture project sustainable. The project also involves developing accommodation and living areas for the researchers and famers on the island. The EIA was undertaken to assess the environmental and social impacts of this project. Based on the assessment, it has been identified that the major impacts of the project will be felt on the terrestrial environment. Lhohi is not a large island that has been included in the EPA’s Environmental Sensitive Areas list due to the small mangrove ecosystem found on a small area of the island. The development on the island would be carried out by leaving a buffer from the mangroves areas. This would significant reduce the impacts on the mangroves found the island due to the proposed agriculture development on the island. Moreover, there will be impacts on marine environment from jetty constructions. During the operational stage, environmental concerns are much less and are associated with energy, water, and waste and wastewater management. The mitigation measures are provided in the report with alternatives. It is vital to conduct the activities, during both construction and operational stage, in line with mitigation measures emphasized in the report. Socio-economic impacts of the proposed project will be creation of job opportunities in the atoll and development of the agricultural industry in the country. This project will create enormous economic opportunities both in the construction and operational stage through creation of both short-term and permanent jobs and business opportunities especially for the locals at Kurendhoo. This project will introduce and promote the development of agriculture production systems on commercial scale enabling Maldives to provide additional avenue for employment and income generation. Towards the end of the report, a monitoring programme has been suggested which covers components of terrestrial, coastal and marine environment. It is important to follow this monitoring programme not only to comply with the regulation but also to ensure that the impacts are measures in realistic terms.
Technical Report
Addendum to the environmental impact assessment for the harbour development at Kelaa, Haa Alifu Atoll, Maldives
(2016-03) Water Solutions
This report is an addendum to the EIA for the harbour development project at HA. Kela carried out in 2015 based on the change of the scope of the project. This addendum to EIA has been undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the change of scope to the harbour expansion and redevelopment project at HA. Kela. Refer to the EIA for the harbour development project at HA. Kela (2015) for the details of the harbour development project at HA. Kela. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure awarded the harbour development contract to Capital Investment and Finance Limited. Capital Investment and Finance Limited recommended Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to expand the harbour to east than to west as this would reduce the breakwater development cost of the project. Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure in consultation with Kelaa Island Council and Kelaa Island Community agreed to expand the harbour expansion to east of the exiting harbour. The main change to scope of the project is to expand harbour to east of the existing harbour. Additionally, it is proposed to extend the breakwater by 15 m on north eastern side as protection measure to protect the area which would be reclaimed as part of the project. The new harbour expansion would allow to reuse the existing quay wall blocks which is located on north eastern side of the harbour. EPA has granted an approval to carry out the required dredging and reclamation associated with the harbour development at the island with the revised harbour design. Environmental impacts due to the changes to scope of the harbour development project at Kelaa have been assessed. The impacts on the island due to the extending the harbour to east and extending the length of breakwater to north east would not be significant as those identified in the EIA for the harbour development in HA. Kelaa (2015). The impact of excavation would be that of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. Excavation would have irreversible impacts. Reclaiming the adjacent area north east of harbour would improve the condition of beach on this side of the island. Moving the harbour extension from west to east would help to keep the huge beach on western side of the island keeping the identity of the island. The changes brought to the scope of the project conform to prevalent environmental legislation. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods. These mitigation measures need to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The project scope has been changed considering the needs and requirements of the community by consulting members of the Island Council and Island Community. The EIA Addendum also allowed to explore alternatives for the changes brought to the project and identified key mitigation strategies. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the harbour development. However, the present project design seems to be an acceptable the island council and island community.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for redevelopment of harbour at Meemu Atoll Dhiggaru
(2015-01) Maldives Energy and Environmental Company
This report discusses the findings of the environmental impact study undertaken by MEECO Pvt. Ltd. at the request of the Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure to redevelop the harbour of Meemu atoll Dhiggaru. This EIA report is prepared in accordance with Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, 2007 under the Environmental Protection and Preservation Act (Act No. 4/93). The purpose of this EIA is to fulfill the requirement of the Law and to conduct an assessment of possible impacts on ecological, biophysical environment and socioeconomics arising from the proposed reconstruction. The main rationale of this project is to increase the safety, accessibility of the current harbor. This project is particularly important as the islands economy mainly depends on fisheries sector. With the current increasing demand of the fishing vessels and the growing sizes of the vessels, an extension of the harbor is needed. This will also enable more job opportunities in Dhiggaru where unemployment rate is high. The existing landside quay wall was constructed to shore extent of the island at the time of construction. However, the quay wall was not extended with the recent reclamation and addition of land. Therefore the reclaimed shore was left as rocks and rubbles. With time, this has become unusable and become difficult for mooring the vessels. To keep pace with the growing demands for the use of the harbor, it became necessary to reconstruct the harbor covering this area. The project involves redevelopment of the exiting harbour in order to facilitate and improve the facilities provided by the harbour. The exiting quay wall on landside would be extended to a have a total length of 268m and the width of the harbour would be extended to 86m. A maintenance dredging would also be carried to a depth of 3m below MSL. In addition, the project also involves relocation of the southern breakwater to further south extending the width and raising of the breakwater heights to 2m above MSL. Breakwater of total length of 449m would also be constructed. The existing entrance channel with a width of 25m would also undergo a maintenance dredging and would be extended in length. It is estimated that approximately 15,500m3 of sand would be dredged from the basin. The dredged material would be used to reclaim the land northwest of the harbor and some of the material would be used in the graveyard. Key impacts The impacts of the project result mainly during construction from activities such as maintenance dredging and reclamation of the land on the North West. Sedimentation and increase in turbidity can impact the marine environment. The reclamation can change the hydrodynamics of the island and will take some to come to equilibrium although this will address the issue of coastal erosion in that area. Baseline environmental conditions at the project site indicated that the live coral cover was almost zero and fish count is very less, showing minimum impact on marine habitat. Indirect impact may also occur from silting which is a short term impact. However, the major socioeconomic impact is found to be positive. Easing the access and creating space for more vessels will facilitate the local users of the harbor and enable development of harbor dependent sectors and livelihood of the residents of M.Dhiggaru. Key negative impacts of the project are found to be significant in short term. These negative environmental impacts weighed against socio-economic positive impacts acts as a justification for the project. Mitigation measures Mitigation measures were taken by conducting appropriate field surveys and environmental assessment of the island, proposed and alternative locations for development of the harbor. The excavation would be carried out during the high tides to allow maximum flushing of the sediments. Reclamation would be done during low tides to minimize the erosion and washing away of the material. The necessary announcements and proper use of sign boards will be used to minimize the difficulties caused during the construction works. Alternate locations and technology The proposed location where the dredged material would be used is the best location as it is the most needed location to be reclaimed for future plans of the island. Alternative technology are not recommended either due to expensive process or the available technology not suitable to the environmental conditions. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring was developed taking into consideration the impacts and mitigation measures to be implemented. The important elements that require checks such as sediment dynamics, coral cover, shoreline changes, water quality and hydrodynamics will be monitored according to the developed monitoring program during construction and operation period. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are not serve as to not undertake the project. Mitigation measures have been proposed to adequately minimize the significant impacts. Hence, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits from the project which clearly outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment the road development project at ADH. Mahibadhoo
(2015-10) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of a social and environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Road Development Cooperation. This EIA report covers road development project at Mahibadhoo, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. This project would undertake total length of the roads that would be 2.9 km. Mahibadhoo is one of the islands in a group of islands that government has selected to undertake the road project implemented by Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure. Road Development project is implemented at islands where there is a huge demand for residential and commercial land. The proposed project would help to improve the living condition of the island and facilitate the focus island development at the selected island. Environmental and socioeconomic impacts of the project were assessed. The road developed and associated work with the project would have significant impacts on the island of Mahibadhoo. The impacts of the project result mainly from vegetation removal and excavation of the harbour basin to borrow the backfill material to level the road surface and levelling work carried out at the roads. The impact of the excavation activities would be of sedimentation. This impact is considered to be minor and short-term. The implementation of the project and paving the road surface would have socio-economic benefits to the central region of the Maldives. The socio-economic benefit outweighs the negative impacts of the project on the physical environment of the Mahibadhoo. Mitigation measures for these anticipated impacts have been identified and outlined in detail, including sedimentation and stagnation control methods and measures for minimizing negative effects of generation of waste. These mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The details of the project have been established based on the landuse plan that had been developed for Mahibadhoo. Alternative designs and technologies have been investigated for the different components of the project. However, the present project design seems to be a feasible option in terms of costs, durability and safety. An environmental management plan with environmental monitoring has been developed including the most important elements that require regular checks. This monitoring component need to adhere to and would allow assessing the changes due to the road development project. Although the project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts, such impacts are predicted to be not severe as to not undertake the project in accordance with the landuse plan developed for the island. The project is justifiable in light of the socio-economic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from the project, which seem to outweigh the negative environmental impacts.
Technical Report
Addendum 2 environmental impact assessment for the reclamation and expansion at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Hulhulhé, Kaafu Atoll
(2015-10) Jameel, Ahmed
This report discusses the findings of an addendum that had been carried out for the environmental impact study (EIA) which was carried out by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. at the request of Maldives Airports Company Limited in July 2014. This EIA Addendum 2 report covers for changes that had been made to the reclamation component of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) expansion project. The report also covers proposed 7.1 m wide road development on southern end of the island and development of a 4.84 km sewerage collection, treatment and disposal system via 495m ocean outfall as part of the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport expansion and modernisation project. Refer to the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015) for the details of the project. This EIA report has been approved by EPA. Environmental impacts were assessed and most of the environmental impacts from the changes that had been brought to the reclamation and expansion project at INIA would be from dredging and reclamation component. Dredging and reclamation constitute sedimentation and it is a threat to the marine environment. Sewerage collection, treatment and disposal will ensure that the groundwater of the island does not get contaminated through improper sanitation systems. It will also ensure that the surrounding marine environment will improve in terms of environmental quality and will ensure pollution from sewage does not occur. The main negative environmental impact from changes to the project would be sedimentation and destruction of the lagoon and some areas of the reef due to dredging and reclamation and construction of the outfall of the sewerage system. Sedimentation cause by the dredging and reclamation will cause death of corals in the direct impact zone and partial death of corals in other areas. Mitigation measures for the negative impacts from the changes to the dredging and reclamation component have been identified and outlined in detail. Sedimentation control methods have been specifically focused as mitigation measure to minimise the impact of sedimentation on marine environment. Use of bund walls in the fill areas is an option to mitigate impacts of sedimentation on the marine environment. The proposed mitigation measures will have to be followed in order to minimize environmental damage. The measures proposed to minimize or mitigate environmental impacts may be considered to be quite appropriate, thereby minimizing the impact by about 90%. A coastal protection method and extents have also been suggested in the EIA in order to protect the shoreline. Stakeholder consultations were held with Trans Maldivian Airways and MWSC as identified by the TOR. TMA is aware of the details of the proposed dredging component of the project and these were finalised in consultation with the stakeholders. MWSC informed that they does not any plans to develop water and sewerage system at INIA. Stakeholder views on the changes that had been brought to the project have been incorporated in the report. It is inevitable that there would be negative environmental impacts of this project. However, balancing these negative impacts and the socioeconomic benefits gained is something that is very difficult. As a result, a monitoring component has been suggested which takes in to consideration, the most important elements that require monitoring, most importantly a mechanism and means to measure and value the social benefit of the project. This monitoring component will be adhered and will allow the assessment of long term changes, despite the potential negative impacts. As the socioeconomic impacts are going to be felt in the long term, monitoring these changes is very essential. It is not seen that any significant environmental impacts would be due to the changes that had been brought to the reclamation component, addition of the road and sewerage system as part of the development, other than those outlined in the Environmental Impact Assessment for the Proposed Expansion and Reclamation at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (2015). The project involves inevitable negative environmental impacts to the natural environment of the island. Nevertheless, this project will benefit the community significantly.
Technical Report
Environmental impact assessment for the harbour development at Omadhoo, Thaa Atoll, Maldives
(2016-03) Water Solutions
This report discusses the findings of environmental impact study undertaken by Water Solutions Pvt. Ltd. upon request from Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure for the proposed harbour development project in Th. Omadhoo. Th. Omadhoo is located on the southern rim of Thaa atoll and has a population of 456. Majority of the island community depend on fishing as their main economic activity. Until now, the island has no harbour facility and is one of the most crucial issues faced by the island community. This project is initiated by the government as part of its national programme to provide safe harbour to each and every inhabited island of Maldives. Presently, lack of a harbour is an obstacle for the economic expansion and diversification of the island. Lack of a harbour in Omadhoo has many developmental obstacles for the island. At present the only way to access the island is by means of a damaged jetty on the north side of the island. For mooring the vessels, fisherman and other vessel owners use deep lagoons within the island reef system. In rough weather, getting in out of the island is almost impossible. Some of the vessels have to go to a nearby harbour for mooring in unfavourable weathers. This is the dilemma the islanders have faced until now. The construction of the harbour at Th. Omadhoo includes construction of a quay wall on inner side and both ends of the harbour using T-shaped concrete blocks, deepening the harbour basin to 3 meters at mean sea level, dredging of the harbour basin which is 500 feet long and 250 feet wide, construction of 563 feet long breakwater with rock boulders, reclamation of the area between the harbour and shoreline by using dredged material from the harbour basin, reclamation of area east of harbour, dredging of an access channel to a depth of 3 meters at Mean Sea Level (MSL). The dredging work for the project is expected to generate around 28,462 m3 of dredged material. The dredged material will be used for reclamation purpose. A 563 ft long seawall would be constructed on western side of the area which would be reclaimed between harbour and the island to protect the reclaimed area from erosion. The project also include construction of 146 ft seawall at the area which is presently used to access the island. The proposed project is therefore geared towards developing a third generation harbour on the north side of the island with an entrance channel and breakwaters to protect the harbour basin. Since, the harbour is proposed to be constructed on the lagoon, the area between the harbour and island shoreline will be reclaimed using the dredged material from harbour basin. The harbour is expected to ease many of the challenges faced by the islanders, especially for the vessel owners, as safe mooring will be guaranteed. A detail environmental assessment was undertaken for this project and the findings are reported in this EIA. This EIA has been prepared to assess the social and environmental impacts of this proposed project. As this is a completely new development, significant negative impacts on the island marine environment will be felt through permanent habitat modification and direct destruction of the marine environment. Similarly, the coral reef will be directly and indirectly impacted for this project. As the same time, the socio-economic impacts of this project will be significantly felt on a very large scale and not necessarily for the islanders only. In such projects, environmental damage cannot be avoided and hence the goal should be to undertake the works in a least damaging manner. As a large area of the marine and coastal environment will be affected, careful implementation of the mitigation measures and adopting methods which minimizes the damage will be the key for this project. Most of these measures are the best practice guidelines and protocols that does not require sting financially to implement. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups including island council, island community, Ministry of Housing and Infrastructure and Ministry of Environment and Energy in order to incorporate the socio-economic components in the project. Stakeholders, most importantly the island community representatives were most significant as they have the maximum knowledge and experience from the daily difficulties faced due to lack of a harbour. Alternative locations and alternative designs have been investigated for the harbour development. The development of the harbour in Omadhoo will have significant environmental impacts to the island, most of which will be felt on the coastal and the marine environment. The project takes place in an environment that has not been modified or damaged previously. However, natural erosion of the island has been affected to the southern area of the island. The biggest threat to the islands when a harbour is developed is the disruption it causes to natural movement of the beach. Social impacts of this project will be significant and will benefit the community as well as the region. The development of a harbour in Omadhoo is expected to bring many beneficiaries to island community. Although the project involves inevitable negative impacts, the project is justifiable in light of the socioeconomic conditions and anticipated benefits resulting from this project. Therefore, it is justifiable to undertake the project.

Environment - ތިމާވެށި

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